Presidency of the Government presents celebration programme for European Heritage Days - Communication

Presidência do Governo Regional

This Saturday, September 20, as part of European Heritage Days 2025, under the theme “Architectural Heritage. Windows to the Past. Doors to the Future,” the Presidency of the Regional Government of the Azores promotes the following celebration programme to take place in its palaces:

Conceição Palace (Ponta Delgada):

Built on the site of the former monastery of the Order of the Immaculate Conception, founded in 1664, the building was adapted for civil and administrative purposes after the extinction of religious orders in 1832, housing the General Council and the Civil Government. Since 1976, it has been the official headquarters of the Regional Government. Classified as a Property of Public Interest, it preserves noble areas and a valuable artistic heritage.

The palace will be open to the public from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., featuring free guided tours. Groups of up to 20 people can visit without prior registration. During the same hours, the Azores Autonomy Centre, part of the Carlos Machado Museum, will also be open to the public.

At 6 p.m., architect André Franco will deliver a lecture entitled "Conceição Palace: from convent to headquarters of the Regional Government of the Azores" at the former lower choir of the convent, a historic space currently used for government functions. The session has a limited capacity of 40 seats that will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

Sant’Ana Palace (Ponta Delgada):

Built by the Jácome Correia family, it is one of the most notable examples of a 19th-century aristocratic residence in the Azores. Surrounded by a garden of abundant botanical diversity, its interiors have been preserved, with furniture, works of art and decorative elements from the period. Acquired by the Autonomous Region of the Azores in 1978, it was designated as the headquarters of the Presidency of the Regional Government in 1980.

The palace will be open from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., including free guided tours for groups of up to 20 people, with no prior registration required.

The garden was designed in 1850 under the direction of Scottish gardener Peter Wallace, maintaining the characteristic layout and atmosphere of 19th-century aristocratic gardens. It is open to visitors between 10:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.

Capitães-Generais Palace (Angra do Heroísmo):

Originally a Jesuit college built in the 17th century, this building later became the headquarters of the General Captaincy of the Azores. It has also hosted the Regency of the Kingdom and served as a Royal Palace. After 1976, it was designated as one of the official residences of the President of the Regional Government. Restored following the 1980 earthquake, it now recreates an 18th-century atmosphere and houses a remarkable collection of artworks.

It will be open from 10 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., featuring free guided tours for groups of up to 20 people, with no prior registration required.

European Heritage Days offer a unique opportunity to explore three palaces that have significantly influenced the political and cultural history of the Azores. Among decorated halls, historic gardens, and spaces of great significance, visitors can explore different layers of Azorean history. Admission is free, and everyone is invited to participate, celebrating heritage as a shared legacy and a gateway to the future.